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Just back from the Dawn 6/26-7/3

ncc1701

By ncc1701,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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ncc1701

ncc1701

Posted
Posted

My family and I just returned from the 6/26-7/3 Dawn cruise. Overall, the cruise was wonderful. Since this cruise fell in the week between school ending and camp beginning for most of the tri state area, the cruise was filled to capacity and there were a huge number of kids – small to teens. We were a party of five – my husband, mother, teenage daughter, her friend and I.

 

 

EMBARKATION: The Dawn was late arriving that morning, so the NYPST personnel were a little overwhelmed. We arrived at the pier by 11:20 am and ran into a lot of traffic from disembarking passengers. My husband needs wheelchair assistance for embarkation/disembarkation, so that took a little while to arrange. We are Latitude members, which coupled with the wheelchair assistance allowed us to board by 12:15 pm.

 

 

CABIN: We were in adjoining BBs on the 9th deck – starboard near the internet café handicapped doors. I can’t say enough about this location. It was convenient to just about everything. The cabin was very clean on arrival, and the cabin stewards were accommodating and efficient throughout the cruise. I found this ship much easier to navigate than the Carnival Victory.

 

 

FOOD: We ate at Le Bistro on the first night, taking advantage of the 50% off specialty restaurants. The food was okay – actually it was our least favorite meal. The chocolate fondue was delicious. On formal night, we ate at Venetian – the room is beautiful. We ate President’s Dinner in Impressions – the food was delicious – but the room is small so it can get crowded quickly. The tables are configured for small parties so our party of 5 and groups of larger families seemed to throw them a curve. Our favorite restaurants were Aqua and Salsas. The wait staff at both Aqua and Salsas was great – they were friendly and efficient. The Chocoholic Buffet was fun. We ordered room service for breakfast on port days, which made it much easier to get ready early. We ate at the Garden Café for breakfast on sea days and for lunch. The food was fine – typical buffet stuff. The staff there was also very courteous.

 

All in all, the dining experiences on board were wonderful – and the wait staff exceptional.

 

 

PORTS: We did NASA Up Close Tour at Port Canaveral using the ship’s excursion. The tour was okay, but was rushed. The tour is presented as more exclusive and in-depth than the standard Kennedy Space Center tour. In effect, our NASA guide was not particularly knowledgeable and the extended bus ride which did get us closer to Launch Pads 39A and 39B, robbed us of the time we could’ve spent viewing exhibits. In Miami we did the early Duck Tour. I was worried it would be corny, but it was actually quite a lot of fun. The tour gave a nice overview of Miami in a short amount of time. We went by taxi from the pier to Bayside Mall in the afternoon which was quite pleasant (If, you don’t mind sailing 1000 miles to go to the Gap). There were plenty of cabs available at both locations. Great Stirrup Cay was okay. It was difficult getting on the tender due to the swells. I got to the Atrium at 7:30 am to pick up tender tickets, and ended up with numbers 237-241. We were on the second tender – but it was a madhouse getting on line even with the tickets in hand. Although we love the “seashore” (Cape May is a favorite vacation spot), we aren’t baking in the sun beach people. The place was overcrowded and HOT, HOT, HOT even though we arrived before 9:30 am. The girls secured umbrellas and chairs for us and rented a tube float for $20. They had fun as 15 year old girls would, however we were I repeat HOT, HOT, HOT. The girls had their hair braided there, which as it turned out, was a good thing. We returned to the ship by 1:00 pm, after partaking of the BBQ, and went to the pool. Even though the ship was pretty empty, the chair hogs were at it – there were towels on most of the empty chairs by the pool. Before leaving Great Stirrup Cay, the Captain announced that the Nassau port call would be cancelled due to the malfunction of the port azipod. Oh, well, we had been planning on visiting the Atlantis Resort in Nassau that evening but c’est la vie. That evening, while approaching the Atrium elevators on our deck, we heard a roar of voices coming from the reception area. It was what we dubbed “the angry mob” those people so upset over the missed port call that they were re-enacting the storming of the Bastille! It was hilarious actually. We were disappointed, but safety is first and foremost. When you travel, anything can happen and there is no point in getting crazy over it. We ate dinner in Aqua that night, and a guy came in and started yelling that we should protest and should get a free cruise. Apparently, he made the round of all the restaurants yelling this. The mumbling and grumbling we heard for the rest of the cruise was ridiculous.

 

 

If anyone is not in the mood to sunbathe by the pool, don’t forget the promenade deck 7. It is very pleasant sitting on lounge chairs in the shade and it doesn’t get that overcrowded.

 

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT: The shows were typical cruise type entertainment – Edge was funny, the magician Fred Becker was so-so, and the production numbers were okay. We were actually a bit disappointed in Second City. Colin Kerr as cruise director was great. He wasn’t overbearing or obnoxious. He tried to keep it light even under these circumstances.

 

 

DISEMBARKATION: Since my husband needed the use of a wheelchair for disembarkation, we went to Gatsby’s on deck 6, were wheeled off the ship quickly and the NCL attendant (a waiter) wheeled him to the curb where we met our car service after collecting our luggage and passing through customs.

 

 

All in all, a great trip. Many thanks to the board members for their great suggestions – bring that power strip and hanging shoe organizer for toiletries etc. Best advice – ENJOY!!

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EileenN

EileenN

Posted
Posted

We were in BB handicapped cabins with two w/c people. They are perfect cabins. We cruised in April. Sounds like you had a great time. Maybe it was because of your attitude, relaxed and positive. For these reasons, your post was exceptionally enjoyable. ... and realistic. Thank you

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shoreguy

shoreguy

Posted
Posted
That evening, while approaching the Atrium elevators on our deck, we heard a roar of voices coming from the reception area. It was what we dubbed “the angry mob” those people so upset over the missed port call that they were re-enacting the storming of the Bastille! It was hilarious actually. We were disappointed, but safety is first and foremost. When you travel, anything can happen and there is no point in getting crazy over it. We ate dinner in Aqua that night, and a guy came in and started yelling that we should protest and should get a free cruise. Apparently, he made the round of all the restaurants yelling this. The mumbling and grumbling we heard for the rest of the cruise was ridiculous.

 

 

I think we have all meet that mob on line here before. Glad you enjoyed your cruise even if others just don't get it. It is a ship in the ocean and stuff happens. That is what makes cruising real.

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lookingforward

lookingforward

Posted
Posted

The OP has a wonderful outlook. I would PAY to miss Nassau actually. I just don't enjoy that port. Missing one port for whatever reason is definately NOT a reason to get a free cruise. Although it may have been a dissapointment the cruise contract clearly allows for changes in intinerary.

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DaisyL

DaisyL

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Posted
NCC1701:

Thank you for your "frank" and "honest" review...so refreshing:)

 

Reviews have been so "nit-picky"

 

Sorry about LeBistro...we loved it...hope it was just that you hit a bad night!

 

You must try it again:)

 

Thanks for your review and I agree with you about the Dawn ...Have been on her twice and just love her...

 

 

On our 10 day S. Car. cruise in Feb., they started boarding at 4PM(instead of 1PM) and sailed at 8PM instead of 4 PM and SanJuan PR (late afternoon into evening)was substituted for a full day in Barbados (no comparison) due to a medical emergency. The NYC terminal was very crowded but well organized. We were all disappointed since SanJuan (been there before) is not worth stopping at (in OUR opinion - 3 couples) and were really looking forward to Barbados and probably will never get there again.... But 'ship' happens and (surprise) no one on the ship complained though (as far as we could tell and no 'mobs' or rants )...

 

I know I'm in the minority and probably would not go to Le Bistro again, it just wasn't worth the extra surcharge. Everthing they offered,were offered during the week in the 'free' restaurants, except the choc. fondue but they had that at the choc. buffet. I don't much like the hot chocolate thing but give me cold choc. covered strawberries.. now you're talkin... The grilled/flamed meat entree looked great (saw it prepared at a chef presentation the day before) but that had an extra surcharge on top of the cover charge ... deceiving ... Loved the artwork though but could only see the 1 picture near us, unless you want to look over other diners while they were eating. I suggest going to visit during a non meal time. The service was the same great service in every other restaurant.

 

We love everything about the Dawn and will definitely sail with her and NCL again. Right now planning for Hawaii on POAm for Sept. '06 .... :D

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cantwaitt

cantwaitt

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Posted

Even though the ship was pretty empty, the chair hogs were at it – there were towels on most of the empty chairs by the pool.

I say, watch a chair with a towel for 15 minutes. If there is no activity, toss it and take the chair.

 

I can't believe someone on another board actually defended chair hogging.

 

These are the people that probably ask for free cruises if the ship changes itinerary if there is a hurricane, but complains if we go into a hurricane.

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Suesan Jean

Suesan Jean

Posted
Posted

I TRULY enjoyed your review!!! Your sense of humor and keeping things in perspective are commendable!!! I am glad you had a GREAT cruise!! I too found that while Le Bistro had delicious food, the ONLY excellent thing was the Chocolate and Fruit Fondue!!! I personally thought that the food I had in the Venetian, La Tratorria and Impressions was as good or better quality....!! But, that is just MPO....

 

I do understand that people were upset/annoyed/angry/dissapointed that Nassau was cancelled. When I found out that on my April 18th cruise that GSC was being cancelled (so that we could go to Miami) (we had a 6 day cruise instead of a 7 day cruise) I was VERY, VERY dissapointed. I even sent an e-mail to Mr. Veitch, of course I was polite and respectfull. I just wanted to express my thoughts on the matter since this was a decesion that NCL was making BEFORE the cruise. As it turned out, I guess ALOT of people were unhappy with the choice, because we DID go to GSC and not to Miami. OF COURSE there were unhappy people about that too......

 

But, I would NEVER EVER have made a scene in public, NEVER EVER would I scream at the Reception Desk ladies. If we did go to Miami, I would have been dissapointed, BUT, we would have made a good day out of it, we were going to go on the Duck Tour and check out the beach.

 

On my April cruise, on the last full day, as we were waiting in line to pay the final bill, there was a man SCREAMING :eek: at this poor reception desk lady, about how he is NOT going to pay his $1,500 casino bill, because he was treated rudely!!! No one even offered him a drink!!! Not even a glass of water!!! He should be compensated!!!! We actually sat down on that round sofa thing to "watch" the show!! Don't know how it ended though, he was ushered into an office......:rolleyes:

 

Anyway, thank you for your review, hope you have a great 4th of July!!!

 

 

Suesan:) :) :)

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YacFamily

YacFamily

Posted
Posted

Suesan, we are also just back from June 26th cruise.

We were in an AA, daughters in BB, all 9th deck.

We watched in amazement as the one " idiot " tried to lead a 60's sit-in, etc. after Nassau cancelled.

It was a very good lesson to our daughters ( 16 and 18 ) on the mob mentality of self-centered, unreasonable people who do not read their contracts. All is well understood about the sea, ships, events beyond our control.

A little personal story to bring it all into perspective. Last year for our Dawn cruise end of June, the transmission on our new Caravan lost reverse gear after stopping to shop in Albany on the drive down from Montreal. Imagine my feelings as a Dad, Saturday late afternoon, no help from Chrysler as all local dealers close earlier on Sat. Driving into NYC, Sun. AM NO REVERSE. We got the " horn " brigade on us through the NYC traffic, as I left enough room in front of me everywhere to avoid having to back up. We made it to the pier, daughter helped me push the car into a parking spot ( so I could drive straight out at departure ). We laughed it off with 2 bottles of champagne at supper and cheered " Voila La Vie " ( that's life ), live in the moment of adventure !! Called a friend in Conn. from Miami, got an appointment at Chrysler dealer near them, car fixed in 2 days, N/C from Chrysler for loaner, great care, etc. Local dealer upon arrival home check of the van said, " that " type of repair would have taken a week in our area because of the complicated parts required for our all wheel drive model. Life is like that !!

Missing Nassau a bit of a disappointment, but we have been there before, not the greatest port of call ... we were planning an Atlantis trip ......

Watching the same guy show up everywhere trying to get people to " not leave the ship " and all his other ramblings reminded me of rallies in the late 60's and 70's I attended in college and grad school.

The NCL staff were awesome in their calm and professional manner !! When the " Master at Arms " sat on the floor beside the " idiot " during one of his sit-in style shows in the lobby, we were so impressed at his people / crowd skills. The " idiot " we assume did not realize he could have spent the rest of his sail in the ' Brig " if the Captain so decided . The " Master at Arms " is apparently ex-Scotland Yard so knew exactly what to do. Very cool, calm , and collected.

All I can say is BRAVO NCL staff. Most of us realize things happen in life. Some people prefer to ' BLAME THE WORLD " for all trials and tribulations that do not suit " them ". I am sure NCL will later on contact all of us in some way.

If the " idiot " had a family member hurt by their own actions, would he react the same way ?? What has led him to be this type of person, embarassing his family I am sure. This is one for the psychologists/ shrinks out there to analyze.

We had the best cruise ever this time.

Bon Voyage

Terry

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naragonl

naragonl

Posted
Posted

;) I think since the WAVE, things have changed a bit around here.

 

Not sure.

 

Still a great place to read and learn.

 

btw- I like the negative's along with the positives (that's what 'critics' are supposed to do).

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smeyer418

smeyer418

Posted
Posted
:confused:

Follow-up question though

If a port is missed, does the ship add any on board activities to entertain/fill in time? Or do they just carry on with regular planned activities?

As they say it depends. Sometimes a new port is added some times its just a "normal" sea day with a full regular schedule. Most of the time they open the bar for free drinks for a while. Personally, I think that is a big misstake. alcohol and angry people don't mix well.

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Suesan Jean

Suesan Jean

Posted
Posted

Terry, your story on "sit-in-guy" was VERY interesting...... Was it like, surreal??? Like, WHAT is this man trying to prove??? Were there any people who "joined" him??? Some people can be VERY unreasonable and kinda crazy......... The world is made up of ALL kinds of people!!!!

 

I am glad you kept a sense of humor, although it must have been a bit disturbing..... Thank goodness it was at the very end of your trip.... It is interesting they (the NCL staff) didn't toss him in the "Brig" for "disturbing the peace" or whatever.... Was he at it a lot???

 

After the past few months, and the sorrow and sadness I have endured, my motto is: "Smile, BE HAPPY!!!" For life IS very short.....APPRECIATE IT!!!

 

Suesan:) :) :)

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shoreguy

shoreguy

Posted
Posted
Shoreguy:

 

Have you ever seen it this bad??

What is happening here?

I am so disgusted:mad:

 

It comes in waves :D I want to here all the good the badand the ugly. What we get from time to time is just the ugly.

 

Read an interesting post on another site. 12,000,000 will cruise this year. Only 150,000+ registered on all the major boards together. We are missing the balance the other 11.8 M cruisers could bring.

 

Also pointed out that those that have a problem write volumes on their comment cards. Those that have a good/excellent time write almost nothing. Same could be said for the boards.

 

Have I seen it this bad? yes. Even worse during Sky/POAL transition and start up. Everyone was jumping in ugly. They had to put in place special rules for just the NCL board. Entertaining but not a pleasent place. Every thread started got dragged into the ugly by a few on a mission to make NCL pay or distroy them online.

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